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Al-Qaida in Iraq Seizes Algerian Diplomats, GSPC Applauds Operation

By Evan Kohlmann

Al-Qaida's Jihad Committee in Iraq--led by wanted terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi--has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of Algerian diplomats Ali Belaroussi and Azzedine Belkadi.  In a statement released on July 23, Al-Qaida explained that the diplomats were taken hostage after the Algerian government allegedly ignored repeated warnings and instead "support[ed] the Jews, Christians, and every country that wounds the people of al-Tawheed."   The Algerian Salafist Group for Prayer and Combat (GSPC) has responded with its own communiqu, applauding the kidnapping of the two diplomats and accusing their government of "backstabbing" the Iraqi people "by aiding the apostate Iraqi government and the crusader alliance in their battle against the mujahideen."   

Click to view documents c/o Globalterroralert.com
- July 23 claim by Al-Qaida for kidnapping of Algerians
- July 23 response to kidnapping from GSPC in Algeria
- July 26 Al-Qaida video of Algerian diplomats held hostage

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